This “impossible” French plane slashes energy use by a staggering 90%
French startup Eenuee, founded in 2019 near Saint-Étienne, is developing a 19-seat blended-wing-body electric regional aircraft called Gen-ee, projecting 11 times lower energy consumption than conventional aircraft of similar size, with a first full-scale prototype flight targeted for 2029. The airframe relies on advanced carbon-fiber composites developed with Duqueine Group, making composite material performance a direct enabler of the aircraft's 40%-lighter unpressurized structure and overall efficiency claims.
Advanced carbon-fiber composites are at the core of Eenuee's innovative approach to electric aviation. The French startup, founded in 2019 near Saint-Étienne, is developing Gen-ee, a fully electric 19-seat regional aircraft. This aircraft is designed to consume significantly less energy than conventional aircraft of similar size, thanks to its reliance on carbon-fiber materials and a unique aerodynamic design.
Gen-ee's design departs from the traditional tube-and-wing structure, opting instead for a blended-wing body that enhances aerodynamic efficiency. This design allows the entire aircraft body to generate lift, reducing drag and improving the lift-to-drag ratio to about 25, surpassing typical aircraft in this class. The absence of a traditional tailplane, replaced by elevons, further optimizes aerodynamic performance.
The aircraft's airframe, developed in collaboration with Duqueine Group, leverages advanced carbon-fiber composites to achieve radical weight reduction. The unpressurized cabin design further cuts structural weight by approximately 40%, simplifying maintenance and enhancing efficiency, albeit limiting operational altitude.
Gen-ee's electric propulsion system operates at approximately 90% energy efficiency, minimizing energy loss compared to combustion engines. This efficiency, combined with aerodynamic and weight savings, supports the aircraft's energy consumption claims.
Eenuee is also exploring a version of Gen-ee equipped with retractable hydrofoils. These hydrofoils enable the aircraft to take off and land on water, reducing drag compared to traditional floatplanes. This feature allows for seamless transition between runway and water operations, targeting regions with abundant waterways.
Currently, Eenuee is testing scaled flying demonstrators to validate flight dynamics, with plans to progress to a larger model by 2026. Formal certification with European aviation authorities is expected to begin in 2027, aiming for the first full-scale prototype flight by 2029 and commercial service by 2032. The company plans to deliver 50 to 100 aircraft to the regional market by 2035.
Source: Carbon Fiber Feed